What Is Vaping?

What Is Vaping?

Vaping involves using a battery-powered device to heat a liquid (e-liquid) into vapour, which is then inhaled. Unlike smoking, vaping does not involve combustion or tobacco. The vapour is produced by heating e-liquid through a component called an atomiser or coil.

What Are Vaping Devices?

Vaping devices come in a range of styles and sizes, from compact pod systems to larger regulated mods. Most devices consist of a battery, a heating element (coil or atomiser), and a reservoir for e-liquid. Pre-filled pod devices come with e-liquid already loaded and are replaced when empty.

What Is E-Liquid?

E-liquid (also called vape juice) is the liquid used in vaping devices. It is heated by the coil to produce vapour. E-liquid is typically made up of:

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG) — a plant-based liquid that produces vapour
• Propylene Glycol (PG) — a food-grade carrier that helps carry flavour
• Flavouring — food-grade flavour concentrates
• Nicotine — optional; available in freebase or salt nicotine form

Does E-Liquid Contain Nicotine?

E-liquid is available both with and without nicotine. Nicotine-containing e-liquid is regulated in New Zealand and can only be sold to people aged 18 and over by licensed retailers. The nicotine concentration is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/mL).

Vaping and NZ Regulations

Vaping in New Zealand is regulated under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act. The 2025 regulation updates introduced further requirements around product standards, labelling, and retail licensing. At 2020 Vapes, all products are sold in full compliance with these regulations.

For more information on the regulations, visit our 2025 Regulations page.